Glassware washer



Dec, 25, 1962 s, us AL 3,070,104

GLASSWARE WASHER Filed March 26, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. PAM SPM Dec. 25, 1962 F. s. FAUST ET AL 3,070,104

.GLASSWARE WASHER Filed March' 26, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 VIII/(I575? 709INVENTOR. FM; 3. FM

Dec. 25, 1962 F. s. FAUST ETAL GLASSWARE WASHER 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 FiledMarch 26, 1958 0 INVENTOR.

BY 2 Ana-4} R. i

Dec. 25, 1962 F. s. FAUST EFAL 3,070,104

GLASSWARE WASHER Filed March 26, 1958 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 79,2 795INVENTOR.

BY {M R. SM-L.

dfforweyz United States Patent Ofiice 3,070,104 Patented Dec. 25, 19623,970,104 GLASSWARE WASHER Francis S. Faust, Buffalo, and Ernest R.Edmunds, Tonawanda, N.Y., assignors to R. G. Wright Company, Inc.,Buifalo, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed Mar. 26, 1%8, Ser. No.724,157 6 Claims. (l. 134 145) This invention relates to glasswarewashers, and more particulariy to a washer for laboratory type glasswareas used in hospitals and research organizations.

The washer of the present invention represents an improvement in priorart washers of this type and features certain innovations providing forthe more efficient washing of laboratory glassware. For example, thewasher of the present invention makes it possible to handle a greatvariety of laboratory glassware with an adjustable washing arrangementpatterned to provide a thorough washing operation for the particulartype of glassware being washed. The washer can be conditioned by asimple manual setting to provide the desired spray or washing patternfor the particular type of glassware being washed. In addition, thewasher of the invention features a washing rack especially adapted forholding plpettes for the efiicient washing thereof, which rack allowsthe convenient placing and removal of the pipettes. Another importantfeature is that a form of spindle racl is provided for washing glasswareimpaled on the spindles in which the pattern of the spindles can bereadily arranged or rearranged to suit the particular requirements.

The main object of this invention is to provide a washer for theefiicient washing of laboratory type glassware.

A more specific object of this invention is to provide a washer whichwill handle a great variety of laboratory glassware and produce athorough washing irrespective of the particular type of glassware beingwashed.

Another object is to provide a washer having a simple manual setttinwhich may be used to adjust the washing pattern required for theparticular type of glassware being washed.

Still another object is to provide a washer having a washing rackespecially adapted for holding pipettes for the efficient washingthereof, which racks allows a convenient placing and removal of thepipettes.

Still another object is to provide a washer having a washing rack which,in addition to holding pipettes, also is adapted to receive and holdspindles which are removably attached in place of the pipettes and canbe readily removed and inserted in any pattern to suit the requirementsof a particular washer.

These and further objects and features of the invention will become moreapparent from the following descrip tion and accompanying drawingswherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a glassware washer embodying theprinciples of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a section view generally as seen along line 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a section view generally as seen along line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view, slightly screen member used in the washerof FIG.

FIG. 5 is a section view 55 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged section view generally seen along line 6-6 in FiG.3;

FIG. 7 is a section view 7-7 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged section view of certain valves used in the washerof FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of water circuits used in the washer ofFIG. 1;

enlarged of a generally as seen along line generally as. seen along lineFIG. 10 is an enlarged section view generally as seen along line 10-10in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged section view generally as seen along line 11-11in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a view in partial section of a baffle plate actuating meansused in the washer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a side view of a general flatware rack used in the washer ofthe invention;

FIG. 14 is a side view of a Petri dish rack used in the washer of theinvention;

.FIG. 15 is a side view for use in the washer of FIG. 16 is a plan viewin FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a perspective View of a test tube rack and basket for use inthe washer of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a section view of a test tube basket used in the rack of FIG.17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a spindle rack used in the washer ofthe invention;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a washer rack forming part of theinvention, this washer rocking being used to wash pipettes and alsobeing adapted to have spindles secured thereto in any pattern to be usedin the same manner as the spindle rack shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 21 is an enlarged section view generally as seen along line 21-2iin FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 21 through the top wall ofthe washer rack shown in FIGS 2, 20 and 21 and showing the manner inwhich pipettes are inserted therein for washing;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of a spindle used in the rack shown in FIGS.2 and 20-22;

FIG. 24 is a view similar to FIG. 22 showing the manner in which theform of spindle shown in FIG. 23 is mounted in the form of washer rackshown in FIGS. 2, 20, 21 and 22.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, thenumeral 26 identifies a washer for laboratory glassware which embodiesthe principles of the invention, and which includes an uprightrectangular cabinet 27 the front wall of which has a glass panel door 28hinged along a lower edge, an instrument panel 29 containing a pluralityof control instruments the function of which will be explained laterherein, a wash pattern control knob 31, a water fill control knob 32,and a door 33 hinged along a lower edge and which may be opened forcleaning purposes. A plate 34 is permanently affixed to the front wallat the lower region thereof, which may be removed for obtaining accessto the inside of a wash water storage tank 36 for clean-out purposes. Agauge 37 is arranged for indication of wash water temperature, whileadjacent thereto is a gauge 38 arranged for indication of rinse watertemperature. A water level gauge 35 is arranged on the front of thecabinet 27 to indicate the water level in tank 36.

As best seen in FIG. 2, the washer is divided generally into threesections one of which comprises the storage tank 36, another of whichforms a washing compartment 39 located above the storage tank andaccessible by way of the door 28, and the last of which forms a motorand pipe compartment 41 and which extends vertically adjacent the tank36 and compartment 39. A bottom .2 of the washing compartment taperstoward the center to an elongated opening 43 having flange members orhorizontal tracks 44 along the lower edge. Slidably supported by theflange members 44 is a screen assembly 46, which is removable from thewasher via the door 33. The screen assembly serves to strain the washwater for the removal of lint and other waste material from the articlesbeing washed. A second screen assembly 47 of a large mouthed beaker rackthe invention;

of a portion of the rack shown may be positioned on the tapered bottom42 over the opening 43 if desired, which screen assembly 47 is useful tocatch any broken glassware. The screen assembly 47 may be removed viathe door 28, for cleaning or replacement purposes.

A trough 48, positioned along one side of the storage tank 36, extendsthe full depth of the washer, and has a drain pipe 49 in open connectionwith the back end thereof. A deflector plate 51 is mounted upon a shaft52 in such manner that by rotation in one direction, water flowing fromthe opening 43 may be directed into the tank 36, while rotation in theopposite direction will cause fiow of the water into the trough 48.Means for rotation of the shaft 52 in either direction, and as best seenin FIG. 12, consists of a piston assembly 53, a plunger 54 operated bythe piston assembly, and an L-shaped lever 56 aifixed to the end of theshaft 52. One arm of lever 56 is engageable by the plunger 54, while theother arm has a weight 57 on the end thereof. A bumper 58, se-

cured to the back wall of the washer, limits movement of the lever 56 inone rotary direction, while a plunger guide 59 is arranged to limitmovement of the lever 56 in the opposite direction. A pipe 61 deliverswater under pressure to the piston assembly 53 for actuation of theplunger 54 for movement of the lever 56 in one direction. The weight 57moves the lever 56 in the opposite direction when the water pressureacting on the piston assembly is released. The rotation of the deflectorplate 51 toward either end position, is programmed according to thewasher operating cycle, as established by timing mechanisms to bedescribed in further detail hereinafter.

Drain pipe 49 joins with a drain pipe 62 which is in open communicationwith the lower end of the storage tank 36. A valve 63 is arranged in thepipe 62, said valve having a handle 64 extending to the front of thecabinet 27 whereby the valve may be conveniently opened or closed.

Within the washing compartment 39 are two parallel flange tracks 66which extend practically the full depth of the compartment. The tracks66, as best seen in FIG. 5, are arranged for alignment with tracks 67formed in the inside of the door 28 when the latter is fully opened,i.e., substantially perpendicular to the front wall of the cabinet 27.In such manner any one of the various glassware racks or trays, as willlater be described, may be conveniently moved in and out of the washingcompartment 39. A pipe 40 having a baffle plate 45 at the lower end, isarranged at the top of the washing compartment 39 to vent steamtherefrom.

Extending through the back wall of the cabinet 27 is v a rack 68engageable by a pinion gear 69 the latter of which is adapted to providereciprocal movement to the rack. A hook or notch 71 is provided on theend of the rack 68, for engagement of a portion of a glassware tray,whereby the tray will be reciprocated during an entire washing operationto expose the entire area of the glassware being Washed to upwardlydirected jets of water. Motor means (not shown) together with a motiontransmission mechanism are mounted on a shelf 72 positioned on the rearwall of the cabinet 27, whereby the pinion 69 will be turned in thedesired manner.

A plurality of water manifold assemblies 76 to 82 inclusive, arearranged in the washing compartment 39. Assemblies 77 and 79 each have aplate 83 with a row of closely spaced holes 84, while assemblies 76, 78,81 and 82 each have a plate 86 with a row of less closely spaced holes87 therein. As best seen in FIG. 11, the plate of a manifold assemblyhas a flanged periphery 85 which extends downwardly for seating in agrooved rubber gasket 88 supported on a ledge 89 extending about theinside upper edge of a manifold 91. The plate 86 is held within thegasket 89 by means of bolts 92 arranged toward each end of the manifold91 and extending through the plate for reception of wing nuts 93. Waterunder pressure entering the manifold will be forced through the plateholes 84 or 87 as the case may be, to form an upwardly directed spraypattern. The manifold assemblies 77 and 79 are used for test tubewashing, while manifold assemblies 76, 78, 81 and 82, are used forflatware washing, all as will be more fully explained hereinafter.

Manifold assemblies 77 and 79 have downwardly extending pipes 95connecting with a horizontal pipe 94, while manifold assemblies 76, 78,81 and 82 have pipes at one end for connection with a horizontal pipe96. A three way valve assembly 97 is arranged for connection on one sidewith the pipes 94 and 96, and on the other side with a pipe 98, which isconnected at the other end to a check valve 99. The check valve has aball 101 which permits flow of water either from pipe 98 into anupwardly directed pipe 102, or from a pipe 103 into the pipe 182;however, it restricts flow of water from pipe 98 into pipe 103, or viceversa.

Three way valve assembly 97, as best seen in FIGS. 6 and 8, includes acup-like valve 104 having an opening which permits flow of water fromthe interior of the valve into one of the pipes 98, 96 or 94, dependingupon the rotary setting of the valve. A pipe 107 leads upwardly from awater supply source (not shown) to the valve assembly for flow of waterinto the valve 104. A shaft 108 is affixed to the valve 104 for therotary positioning thereof, said shaft being connected at the outer endto wash pattern control knob 31, and the other end to a shaft 109 of adistilled water control valve assembly 111.

The valve assembly 111, as best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, includes acup-like valve 112 having an opening 113 which permits flow of waterfrom the interior of the valve selectively into pipe 103, pipe 114 orpipe 116, depending upon the rotary setting of the valve. The shaft 109is afiixed to the valve 112 so that the rotary move ment of valve 112 issynchronized with the rotary movement of valve 104. A pipe 117 connectswith the valve assembly 111 for flow of water from a solenoid controlledvalve 118 into the valve 112, while a pipe 119 is arranged to connectthe water valve 118 to a source of distilled water (not shown).

Pipe 114 leads upwardly along one side of the washing chamber 39, passesto the other side of the washing chamber, and joins with a pair of spraypipes 121 extending between manifold assemblies 76, 77, and 78, 79.Pipes 121 each have a series of holes arranged to direct an upward sprayof water into the washing chamber. Pipe 116 leads upwardly anddownwardly for connection with four spray pipes 122 arranged adjacentthe front side of manifold assemblies 76, 78, 81 and 82. Each of thepipes 122 has a series of holes arranged to direct an upward spray ofwater into the washing chamber 39.

A pipe 123 leads from pipe 107 to a solenoid operated valve 124, whichis connected to a water supply source (not shown) by means of a pipe126. Extending upwardly from pipe 123 is a pipe 127 which is connectedto a check valve assembly 128. The check valve assembly 128 has a ball(not shown) similar to ball 101 of check valve assembly 99, whichpermits flow of water from pipe 127, or from a pipe 129, into anupwardly directed pipe 131. The pipe 131 branches into three pipes 132each of which has a plurality of holes (not shown) for directing a sprayof water downwardly into the washing chamber 39.

A rotary pump 133, which is driven by an electric motor 134, is adaptedto pump water from the water storage tank 36 via a pipe 136, and todeliver it under pressure into pipe 107, and pipe 61. A pipe 137 leadsfrom pipe 126 into the upper end of the water storage tank 36. A valve138, which is operable through control knob 32, regulates flow of waterin pipe 137 into the storage tank.

From the arrangement above described it will be seen that with thecontrol knob 31 turned counter-clockwise (when facing front of thewasher) a maximum amount to a first position, the valve assembly 97 willbe set so that water can flow from pipe 107 through the valve 104 andinto pipe 98, from whence it can flow into check valve 99 and pipe 102.Simultaneously, the valve assembly 111 is set so that water from pipe117 can flow through valve 112 into the pipe 1123 to check valve 99 andpipe 102 At the same time, water from pipe 123 can flow into pipe 107when the solenoid valve 124 is operated. In such manner the washer isconditioned for washing of spindles in a special washer tray, as will beexplained fully hereinafter. However, the operation of the pump 133 andsolenoid valves 124 and 118 are regulated for sequential and individualoperation by means of the control instruments on the panel 29. Thus eachWashing cycle includes a sequence of washing and rinsing steps whichbring these various units into operation, as required, at the propertime.

When the control knob 31 is turned clockwise approximately 120 from thefirst position to a second position, the valve assembly 97 will be setso that water can flow from pipe 107 through the valve 104- and intopipe 96, from whence it will flow into the manifold assemblies 76, 78,81 and 82. Simultaneously, the valve assembly 111 is set so that waterfrom pipe 117 can fiow through valve 112 into pipe 116 then into pipes122. The washer will now be conditioned for washing of flatware.

When the control knob 31 is turned clockwise approximately 120 from thesecond position to a third position, the valve assembly 97 will be setso that water can flow from pipe 107 through the valve 104 and into pipe9-1, from whence it will flow into the manifold assemblies 77 and 79.Simultaneously the valve assembly 111 is set so that water from pipe 117can flow through valve 112 into pipe 114 then into pipes 122. The washerwill now be conditioned for washing of test tubes.

It will be seen that the valve assemblies 97 and 111 function to directthe wash and rinse waters into one of three patterns depending upon thesetting of the control knob 31. It may be mentioned that a check valve121), arranged in pipe 107, permits one way flow of water in pipe 107.

Mounted upon an instrument panel 29 are timing switches: timing switch14-1 being adapted for control of the motor 134 for operation of pump133, said switch being adjustable for an operating range of from 0 tominutes; timing switch 142 being adapted for control of solenoid valve124 and being adjustable for an operating range of from O to 5 minutes;and timing switch 143 being adapted for control of solenoid valve 118,and being adjustable for an operating range of from 0 to 60 seconds.

Adjacent to timing switch 141 is a switch 14 which may be set to threepositions, one of which cuts out the operation of the motor 134 from awashing cycle, a second position which puts the operation of motor 134under manual control, and a third position which puts the operation ofmotor 134 under control of the timing switch 141.

Adjacent to timing switch 142 is a switch 146, which may be set to threepositions, one of which cuts out the operation of the solenoid valve 124from a washing cycle, a second position which puts the operation of thesolenoid valve 124 under manual control, and a third position which putsthe operation of the solenoid valve 124 under control of the timingswitch 142.

Adjacent to timing switch 14-3 is a switch 147, which may be set tothree positions, one of which cuts out the operation of the solenoidvalve 118 from a washing cycle, a second position which puts theoperation of the solenoid valve 118 under manual control, and a thirdposition which puts the operation of the solenoid valve 118 undercontrol of the timing switch 143.

It will be seen that the switch arrangement above described gives theoperator a great degree of flexibility in the manner of conditioning thewasher for any washing pattern desired.

A switch 1455 is arranged for the operation of the motor driving thepinion 69, so that reciprocating movement of the rack 68 may be hadduring a washing cycle. In this respect it may be noted that operationof the rack 68 will either prevail during a complete washing cycle, i.ewash and rinse, or will not be operated during such a complete washingcycle. This is necessary, because during use of a spindle rack, as willbe described, it is not necessary to reciprocate the spindle rack duringwashing and rinsing operations.

A starter button 149, is positioned above switch 144 which button whendepressed, will initiate operation of the washing cycle after all theother switches are set for the desired washing pattern. Adjacent thebutton 149 is a signal light 151 which goes on at beginning of a washingcycle, and goes out at the end of said cycle. A master switch 152 isarranged for energizing all the electrical switches.

The various trays or racks used with the washer of the invention arebest seen in FIGS. 13 to 20. A rack 156, illustrated in FIG. 13, may beused for the support of general flatware during a washing operation, andconsists of wires 157 arranged in spaced relation to form a shallowbasket, having flanges 158 at the lower side edges for riding in thetracks 66 and 67. A bar 159 at the lower rear end of the rack isarranged for engagement by the hook 71 of reciprocating rack 62, wherebythe tray can be reciprocated during washing. The dimensions of the rack156 are such as to allow the upward directed jets of water from themanifold assemblies 76, 78, 31 and S2 to cover the entire rack areaduring reciprocal movement thereof.

A rack 161, illustrated in 151G. 14, is similar to rack 156 but diiierstherefrom by having a plurality of sloping compartments defined by wires162, 163 and 164, which compartments may be used for holding Petridishes during washing operations.

A rack 166, illustrated in FIG. 15, may be used for the support of largemouth beakers during washing. The rack 166 includes a plurality ofupstanding wires 167 grouped in fours, as best seen in FIG. 16, eachgroup being adapted to hold a large mouth beaker in inverted position.The groups of wires 167 are supported by cross wires 168, the ends ofthe latter being secured to a frame 169 which is arranged for riding inthe tracks 66 and 67. The rack 166 includes a bar 159 adapted forengagement by the book 71 of the reciprocating rack 68.

A rack 171, illustrated in FIG. 17, may be used for the support of wirebaskets 172, in which may be placed test tubes for washing, as best seenin FIG. 18. Each basket 1'72 has a plurality of intercrossing wires 173arranged to form squares, each of which will maintain a test tube ininverted position within the basket. The baskets 172 are designed to fitinto channel members 174 for support of the rack 171. A cover 176,having a finger 177 at one end and a latch arrangement 178 at theopposite end, is adapted to fit into each basket against the upturnedend of the test tubes whereby they will be firmly held in the basketduring washing. The .rack 171 is arranged for engagement by the book 71of the reciprocating rack 68 whereby the baskets 172 will be moved overthe manifold assemblies 77 and 79 during washing.

A spindle rack 181, illustrated in FIG. 19, which may be used for thesupport of small mouth beakers or test tubes for washing, includes threeparallel. pipes 182 arranged to intersect a central pipe 183, the pipes182 being afiixed to wire frames or runners 184 on each side, which areslidable on the tracks 66 and 67. The middle pipe 182 is bent upwardlyat one end and has a male hose connection thereupon. Each pipe 182 isshown as provided along its crest with a line of spaced threaded holesin each of which is screwed the lower end of a spindle 186, formed ofsmall diameter pipe. For this purpose the lower end of each spindle 136is threaded as indicated at 188, and the upper end of each spindle hassecured thereto a generally conical spring 187 which, as best seen inFIG. 23, extends beyond the upper end of the spindle. In such manner thebeaker being supported upon the spindle, is maintained a given distancefrom the end of the pipe, whereby the water being jetted from the end ofthe pipe will be cascaded over the entire inner surface of the beaker.The spring 187 also provides a resilient support for the beaker whichserves to protect the beaker against breakage during loading and washingoperations.

A pipette washer rack 191, illustrated in FIGS. 2, 20, 21, 22 and 24,comprises a generally rectangular tray or pan 192, and a cover assembly193 removably secured to the pan by bolts having wing nuts 194 at theupper end. Extending from the pan on each side, are slide means ortracks in the form of bent rods 196, arranged for sliding in the tracks66 and 67. An L-pipe connection 197 is arranged on one side of the tray192, which connection has affixed thereto a male hose connection 198.The latter has a reduced diameter end 199 having an annular peripheraldetent groove 206. This reduced end 199 fits into a female hoseconnection 201 affixed to a flexible hose or conduit 202, the other endof which is connected to the pipe 102. Connection 201 includes anaxially movable latching sleeve 203 adapted to maintain a plurality ofdetent balls 204 within the groove 206 of the reduced end 199. Thesedetent balls are in radial openings. in the wall of the female hoseconnection 201 and which openings are of reduced size at their innerends so that the detent balls 204 cannot escape when the male and femaleconnections 198, 201 are separated. Axial movement of the sleeve 203permits the balls 204 to move out- Wardly into a. groove 207 formed onthe inner surface of the sleeve 203, so that the connection 201 can beremoved from connection 198. A lever 20S, pivotally mounted upon thecover assembly 193, is arranged to straddle the male connection 198,whereby upward movement of the lever will cause upward movement of thesleeve 203. In

such manner the connection between the hose 202 and the rack 191 may beconveniently disrupted.

The cover assembly 193 includes an upper plate 209 the edges of whichextend downwardly outside the pan 192, a lower plate 211 which fitssecurely within the pan 192, and a rubber pad 212 arranged between theplates 209 and 211. A plurality of holes 213 in the upper plate 209 aredisposed in alinement with a plurality of holes 214 formed in the lowerplate 211, while a plurality of tapered holes 216 are formed in the pad212 each hole 216 being in alinement with a hole 213 and 214, as bestseen in FIG. 21.

From the foregoing, as illustrated in FIG. 22, it will be seen that thewasher rack 191 allows for the easy insertion of a pointed end 220 of apipette 221 into any *of the holes 213, through an adjacent tapered hole216, and a hole 214. Such insertion will cause a peripheral stretchingof the tapered hole 216, about the pipette end, whereupon the pipettewill be securely clamped in upright position, and a substantiallywater-tight engagement will be provided between the pipette and taperedhole. Hence, water under pressure within the tray 192 can flow upwardlythrough the pipettes and be jetted from the upper end of the pipettesinto the washing chamber 39.

It is to be noted that the lower end of each tapered hole 216 comes to apoint in the region of the lower surface of the rubber pad 212. Thus,during use of the rack 191, water will be substantially prevented frompassing upwardly from the pan 192 through any holes not having a pipettetherein.

An important feature of the rack 191 as shown in FIGS. 2, 20, 21, 22 and24 is that it can also be used in conjunction with the spindles 186,FIG. 23, to provide a spindle rack functioning similarly to the spindlerack, FIG. 19, with the important distinction, however, that thespindles can be arranged in any desired pattern within the limits of thespacing of the holes 213, FIG. 20. To secure ,a spindle 1 86 in any hole213, a nut 225 is first screwed on the threaded end 188 of each spindleto be put into service. The threaded end is then passed through theselected hole 213 of the cover 193, from the outside, and which coverhas first been removed by removing the wing nuts 194. A second nut 226is then applied to the threaded end 188 of the spindle to clamp thecover 193 between the two nuts 225, 226 and thereby hold the spindlesupright on the cover 193. When the cover 193 is replaced and the wingnuts 194 tightened, the threaded ends 188 of the spindles protrude farenough into the tapered holes 216 of the rubber pad to stretch and holdthe lower ends of these holes open and permit liquid to flow from theinterior of the rack 191 up through each spindle 186.

It will be appreciated that the hose 202 will be of sufficient length sothat it may be placed at the side of the washing compartment 39, when itis not required, as when using any one of the racks 156, 161, 166, and171. Likewise, the reciprocating rack 68 will not be operated when usingthe spindle rack 181, or pipette rack 191.

The washer 26 includes a switch (not shown) which is operated by thedoor 28, to disrupt the electrical circuits of the washer should thedoor be opened during a washing operation. In addition, a light (notshown) may be placed in the washing compartment 39, to illuminate thecompartment during use of the washer.

From the above disclosure it will be seen that an efficient washer forglassware is provided which may be used to automatically wash and rinsevarious types of laboratory glassware ranging from flatware to pipettes.The washer not only provides a thorough Washing and rinsing operation,but is economical in the use of wash Water detergent, since it saves thewash water after use for subsequent washing operations. All that isrequired to install the washer of the invention, is a source of heatedtap water, and a source of distilled water if the latter type of wateris desired for final rinsing. In addition, a heater may be placed in thewash water compartment 36 to maintain the wash water at temperatures upto 200 R, if desired.

The foregoing description has been given in detail without thought oflimitation since the inventive principles involved are capable ofassuming other physical embodiments without departing from the spirit ofthe invention and the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A glassware washer including a washing compartment formed to providean opening in the bottom thereof, a wash water storage tank positionedbeneath the washing compartment, a plurality of manifold assembliesarranged in the washing compartment near the bottom thereof, each ofsaid manifold assemblies being formed to provide an opening through itstop and a plate having a plurality of holes adapted to direct an upwardspray of water, a plurality of spray means arranged in the washingcompartment near the top thereof and adapted to direct a downward sprayof water, a track means arranged in the washing compartment for supportof a rack of glassware to be washed, a rack on said track means havingmeans for spraying wash water against the glassware carried by saidrack, a hose means in the washing compartment having a couplingconnection at the end thereof for coupling with said spraying means ofsaid rack, and means supplying said wash water under pressure to saidmanifold assemblies, to said spray means near the top of said washingcompartment, and to said hose means.

2. A glassware washer including a washing compartment formed to providean opening in the bottom thereof, a wash water storage tank positionedbeneath the washing compartment, a door on the front of the washingcompartment, a plurality of manifold assemblies arranged in the washingcompartment near the bottom thereof, each of said manifold assembliesbeing formed to provide an opening through its top having a gasket alongthe edge thereof and a plate compressively mounted atop the gasket, saidplate having a plurality of holes adapted to direct an upward spray ofwater, a plurality of spray means arranged in the washing compartmentnear the top thereof and adapted to direct a downward spray of water, avalve means arranged to direct water selectively to certain of saidmanifold assemblies and to said spray means, a track means arranged inthe washing compartment and on the inside of the door, a rack on saidtrack means having means for spraying wash water against the glasswarecarried by said rack, a hose means in the washing compartment having acoupling connection at the end thereof for coupling with said sprayingmeans of said rack, and means supplying said wash water under pressureto said valve means and hose means.

3. A glassware washer including a washing compartment formed to providean opening in the bottom there of, a wash water storage tank positionedbeneath the washing compartment, a first spray means arranged in saidwashing compartment and directed toward the center thereof, track meansarranged centrally in the washing compartment, a rack for the glasswareto be washed riding along said track means, a second spray means mountedon said rack for spraying water against the glassware supported by saidrack, a hose means having a coupling connection at the end thereof forcoupling with said second spray means, and means supplying said washwater under pressure to said first spray means and to said hose.

4. A glassware washer including a washing compartment formed to providean opening in the bottom thereof, a wash water storage tank positionedbeneath the washing compartment, a first spray means arranged in saidwashing compartment near the bottom thereof and directing an upwardspray of water, a second spray means arranged in said washingcompartment near the top thereof and directing a downward spray ofwater, track means arranged in said washing compartment, a rack for theglassware to be washed riding along said track means, a third spraymeans mounted on said rack and spraying water against the glasswarecarried by said rack, a hose means having a coupling connection at theend thereof for coupling with said third spray means, and meanssupplying said wash water under pressure to said first and second spraymeans and to said hose.

5. A glassware washer including a Washing compartment formed to providean opening in the bottom thereof, a wash water storage tank positionedbeneath the washing compartment, a plurality of spray means arranged inthe washing compartment near the bottom thereof and adapted to direct anupward spray of water, a plurality of spray means arranged in thewashing compartment near the top thereof and adapted to direct adownward spray of water, a track means arranged in the washingcompartment for support of a rack of glassware to be washed, a rack onsaid track means having means for spraying wash water against theglassware carried by said rack, conduit means in the Washing compartmenthaving a coupling connection at the end thereof for coupling with saidspraying means of said rack, and means supplying said wash water underpressure to said spray means arranged near the bottom of said washingcompartment, to said spray means arranged near the top of said washingcompartment, and to said conduit means.

6. A glassware washer as set forth in claim 5 wherein said spray meansarranged near the bottom of said washing compartment is in the form of aplurality of manifold assemblies and wherein said means supplying washwater under pressure includes valve means arranged to direct said washwater selectively to certain of said manifold assemblies and to saidspray means arranged near the top of said washing compartment.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS684,112 Sears Oct. 8, 1901 971,231 Weiscopf Sept. 27, 1910 1,048,885Risser Dec. 3, 1912 1,452,710 Schmelzer Apr. 24, 1923 1,466,192Schmelzer Aug. 28, 1923 1,581,134 Merseles Apr. 20, 1926 1,633,669 IrvinJune 28, 1927 1,662,496 Forsgard Mar. 13, 1928 1,757,035 Bechman May 6,1930 2,051,233 Webb Aug. 18, 1936 2,222,676 Mahler Nov. 26, 19402,372,205 Hertz Mar. 27, 1945 2,395,968 Ornas Mar. 5, 1946 2,508,999Hirsch May 23, 1950 2,597,359 McDonald et a1 May 20, 1952 2,682,213Shapiro June 29, 1954 2,706,990 Lyman Apr. 26, 1955 2,713,866 Kaye July26, 1955 2,786,480 Hofer Mar. 26, 1957 2,827,063 Roy Mar. 18, 1958FOREIGN PATENTS 390,748 Great Britain Apr. 13, 1933 452,510 GreatBritain Aug. 24, 1936 497,149 Germany May 3, 1930 908,680 France Oct.11, 1945

